President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today officially opened a week- long retreat for newly elected National Resistance Mdovement (RM) Members of Parliament and party-leaning independents at the Nationa Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi.
The retreat is being held under the therme: “Aigning the NRM leadership towards protecting the gains and making a bold, qualitative leap towards a higher middle-income status society”.
The retreat is expected to equip legislaors with ideological clarity and policy direction as they begin their term in the 12th Parliament.
On arrival at NALI, the President was received by the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo, Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong and members of the Central Executive Committee
In his address, President Museveni congratulated the legislators on their electoral victory, while urging them to reflect on areas that require improvement.
“First of all, congratulate all of you for winning the elections. I also congratulate the NRM and its members in the country for delivering a big victory, although we could have done more if we got rid of some
weaknesses,” he said.
He also extended condolences to families of fallen party members, including leaders_ from Kikube and Abim, describing their loss as a setback to the movement
The President emphasized the distinction between ordinary supporters and leaders within the party, urging MPs to go beyond surface-level understanding of the movement
“You are now not only followers of the NRM but leaders. A follower may support some aspects of the movement without going deep into its beliefs, but a leader must understand the ideology, philosophy and strategy,’ he noted,
He likened the retreat at Kyankwanzi to a “seminary,'” where leaders are equipped with deeper ideological grounding.
President Museveni further explained that ideology involves iagnosing societal problems, just as a doctor diagnoses a patient
“The political leader must carry out a diagnosis of the society–identif the problems, understand the people and then prescribe solutions,” he said
On philosophy, President Museveni said leaders must understand human nature and motivations, while strategy involves applying correct methods to address societal challenges
The President also stressed that prosperity must be built through production and not dependency.